Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration spokesman Duane DeBruyne addressed some policy-related questions for Bus & Motorcoach News.
Q: Where is FMCSA regarding the Lease/Interchange passenger carrier rule revisions?
A: As previously announced, FMCSA will be publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to address areas of the final rule. This will allow another opportunity for public comment and for Agency review of the issues. The compliance date for the existing final rule will be extended in consideration of the upcoming NPRM.
Q: How is the agency addressing the DOT’s Blueprint for Safety recommendation, and how will FMCSA evolve into a “facilitator of safety?”
A: FMCSA has implemented most of the recommendations from the report. The Agency’s process for identifying high-risk carriers is more focused, managing risk dynamically. We are continuing to examine and consider the “Beyond Compliance” Program.
Q: Is the agency following National Academies of Science recommendations regarding the Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA) program, specifically “Item Response Theory” and a mileage metric to evaluate risk?
A: The Agency has accepted the NAS recommendations and is working on implementation. At present, FMCSA uses mileage in certain areas, but is working on next steps forward to fulfill the NAS recommendations. The Agency is currently testing models using the IRT in collaboration with NAS.
Q: How does the Agency plan to reach the next level in crash reduction?
A: Congress mandated safety investigations of passenger carriers every three years. In fulfilling that charge, FMCSA will use available data to identify those carriers that present the highest risk.
Q: How is the Agency balancing its safety and compliance responsibilities without discouraging business owners?
A: While the number of registered passenger carriers remains flat, the number of registered buses and vehicle-miles-travelled (VMT) has steadily increased.
